Not So Fast Yvel

Heavyweight Gilbert Yvel has not been cleared by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to face Josh Barnett at “Day of Reckoning.” It appears that Yvel will not be allowed to fight until he meets with representatives from the California State Athletic Commission.

Based upon Yvel’s past inappropriate behavior, which included attacking a referee, his status is currently in jeopardy.

Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas told MMAWeekly.com that Yvel is scheduled to meet with him and Chief Athletic Inspector Dean Lohuis shortly after the start of the New Year. Based upon how that private meeting goes, it will determine if they will grant him a license to fight in California.

“I wish it was sooner because if he is not licensed, it wouldn’t be a surprise to the promoter and the fans and more importantly, there would be plenty of time to find an opponent for Josh Barnett,” Douglas told the website.

It will be up to Yvel to convince the CSAC that he has matured, and he will be nothing but class on January 24th. Going into the meeting, it seems as though the Commission seems to want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“I don’t want our office to be responsible for any further last minute cancellations,” Douglas told MMAWeekly.com. “The only time it will happen from this point forward is because of a severe medical condition that could comprise the health and safety of an athlete and his or her competitor.”